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Retailers use strategies to promote Mexican grape consumption

International Fruit Co., which markets Chiquita's grapes, expects consistent markets for grapes this year, says president David Espinoza. Other grower-shippers say grape sales are growing.

Photo by Courtesy International Fruit Co.

Grape consumption continues to rise, a good sign for growers and shippers.

Sales of grapes have increased in the past year due to people eating more fresh produce as well as new varieties entering the market, said Dennis Christou, vice president of marketing for Del Monte Fresh Produce, Coral Gables, Fla.

David Espinoza, president and sourcing director for the new Charlotte, N.C.-based International Fruit Co., which markets Chiquita grapes, said the market for all grapes should be similar to last year’s.

“Grapes are top five on consumption, and the majority of the volume is between red and green seedless varieties,” Espinoza said.

Since Chile often finishes early on green grapes, Miguel Suarez, owner of MAS Melons & Grapes in Rio Rico, Ariz., said North American buyers particularly pursue the first Mexican green grapes, especially perlettes.

“There’s a lot of pressure on the industry at the beginning of the season to pick grapes before they’re fully ripe just to get them on the shelves,” he said.

“But that doesn’t do anybody any good.”

Marc Serpa, director of domestic grapes for Vancouver, British Columbia-based The Oppenheimer Group, said varietal popularity during the 2012 spring grape season was somewhat regional.

Citing Freshlook Data from Fusion Marketing, Serpa said green grapes performed very well in California, red and green grapes were equally strong sellers in other Western states, and red grapes dominated most other areas.